Carbon Removal Project Manager

Description

About Appalachian Voices

Appalachian Voices is a nonprofit advocacy organization that brings people together to protect the land, air, and water of Central and Southern Appalachia and advance a just transition to a clean energy economy. We currently have over 35 staff members across the region, and offices located in Boone, NC, Charlottesville, VA, and Norton, VA.

Commitment to Equity

Appalachian Voices is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion both in our work and in our organizational structure. We seek applicants who share and exhibit these principles. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the position.

We understand people gain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences. We encourage candidates to review the position details and responsibilities listed. If you have the transferable skills necessary to fulfill many of the requirements of this role, we encourage you to apply. We may tailor the role to a talented or passionate candidate.

Position Details

Appalachian Voices seeks an experienced, diligent, and creative Carbon Removal Project Manager to provide essential capacity for our Carbon Removal project, leading project management and execution in our effort to  reclaim and reforest former mine lands through leveraging the voluntary carbon market, with the goal of implementing a pilot project at scale in Southwest Virginia. Appalachian Voices’ Carbon Removal work sits within the New Economy Program. We partner with a robust national network of academic advisors, businesses, and nonprofits focused on the deployment of carbon removal solutions that prioritize environmental justice principles.

Location

We seek an individual who is located within, or willing to relocate to, the Southwest Virginia region. This position can be offered as an office-based or a remote/in-office hybrid role. The Carbon Removal Project Manager (project manager) is a full-time staff position that requires 40 hours of work per week for an initial one-year term with the possibility of extension depending on availability of additional funds. Office space in our Norton office will be made available, but a blend of remote work is acceptable with this position as long as the individual is able to regularly travel to the Norton office, to the project site, and throughout the local region in support of program-related initiatives.

Compensation

This is a full-time, one-year term, non-exempt position and is included in a union-represented collective bargaining unit; specific terms and conditions of employment may be subject to a future Collective Bargaining Agreement. Appalachian Voices offers competitive compensation and benefits that include employer-paid health care, vision, and dental policies with options to include family members at a reduced cost; short- and long-term disability plans; generous paid vacation and parental leave; flexible working hours; and an employer-matched retirement plan.

Salary is commensurate with experience, however, the expected salary range is between $65,000-$80,000.; We are open to feedback from the market and would welcome the opportunity to connect with candidates who may be outside of the compensation band, however candidates seeking higher than this range should be able to demonstrate a very strong background, issue experience, and meet all of the qualifications listed above. Appalachian Voices is committed to equity in pay practices.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until this position is filled. For early consideration, candidates shall apply by October 31. Using the link below, please submit a resume and a brief cover letter that addresses why you are interested in this role, and why you would be a good fit for the position.

https://appalachian.bamboohr.com/careers/28?source=aWQ9Mjk%3D

Appalachian Voices participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Job Duties

Primary Roles & Responsibilities

• Project management: Play a leading role in planning for and executing a mine land reforestation pilot project, ensuring technical feasibility of land reclamation, native species restoration, community benefit and carbon sequestration goals. The project manager will be accountable for developing detailed work plans, managing contracts, and assessing risk management throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead Measurement, Reporting and Verification(MRV) processes: Play a lead role in selecting the appropriate MRV framework and implementing all necessary compliance activities.
• Carbon market access: Work with one or more carbon brokers to develop an effective carbon marketing approach that is consistent with the mission and values of the project.
• Stakeholder engagement: Coordinate community member and stakeholder outreach and engagement at both regional and national levels. Develop community benefit agreements and maintain and grow the project partnership network.
• Support programmatic fundraising: Provide critical capacity to secure additional program funding to fully build out the project, including private and public grant writing and capital fundraising.

Skills Required

Skills & Qualifications:

• Project management, ideally around ecological restoration, reclamation, forestry/agroforestry, carbon removal or a similar field
• Familiarity – or a strong interest to rapidly develop it- with the voluntary carbon market, particularly with nature based solutions and EJ principals
• Experience coordinating cross-discipline internal and external teams, such as community members, local leaders, scientists, engineers, economists, and policy experts
• Experience developing and tracking project budgets, procurement and contract management, or transferable skills
• Experience with, or strong interest in, real estate transactions and associated activities
• Experience and/or comfort working in a community setting in coal impacted areas in Central Appalachia
• Comfort and experience with public speaking in virtual and in-person settings
• A desire to spend time outdoors, performing tasks in rugged terrain and adverse weather conditions. Experience operating power equipment and machinery is a plus.